By Dr Jeri Tikare, clinical psychologist, Kooth
Eating difficulties are increasingly common, with an estimated 1.25 million people in the UK thought to have an eating disorder (ED).
What is an eating disorder?
It’s helpful to understand that eating behaviours exist on a spectrum, ranging from what’s considered “normal” to a diagnosed eating disorder. Although the terms “eating difficulties” and “eating disorders” are often confused, they describe different levels of seriousness and specific traits related to an individual’s relationship with food and eating habits.
Compared to other mental health issues, EDs may not be as widespread, but they have the highest mortality rates of all mental health conditions [1,3,4] and are, therefore, a major public health concern.
This emphasises the need to offer full support to individuals experiencing eating difficulties or disorders.
Covid and eating disorders
The pandemic had a negative impact on the mental health of many adolescents and young adults, leading to an increase in eating disorder diagnoses and other forms of disordered eating [2].
Numerous studies suggest that eating disorders frequently coexist with a variety of other mental health conditions. This overlap presents significant challenges for the timely detection and intervention of these disorders. A range of biopsychosocial factors—encompassing biological, psychological, and social dimensions—contributes to these challenges.
Firstly, biological factors are critical, as individuals at risk for EDs may not display overt physical signs, such as significant weight loss. Secondly, psychological factors, including the stigma associated with EDs and their correlation with anxiety and depression, complicate the situation further. Lastly, social factors, such as cultural attitudes towards food and eating practices, also shape individual experiences of EDs. These interconnected issues can hinder the provision of timely and effective support [2,3].
Research has also demonstrated that early identification and treatment of potential eating disorders can result in improving outcomes, reducing the risk of progression, and increasing the potential for recovery [4,5].